michael818

Please forgive me if this has been posted before but could not find it on a search. I'm currently driving a 718 GTS with the 4T, previously a 991.1 and a 997. I miss the 911 and am looking to switch back but am debating between a CPO CS or simply ordering a base for the same basic price. My car is a DD here in the Washington DC area - not driven every day but driven whenever II need to get out and do something. I use it on weekend for some back road drives and with some dine and drives and rallies. I would welcome the driving impressions of those of you who have driven both. I can see that the S is a half a second faster than the base but I'm not sure if that is a significant factor for me. I'm not clear what is added to the S beyond the bigger turbos. I would opt for Sport Chrono on the base since it is a PDK car. The difference in price new is $15K, more that I want to spend right now but as the 2020 S models hit the used car market, the price for one should be pretty similar to the base car. Any thoughts or insights would be appreciated.

Richard_Wallace

I have the 4s, but I am sure the base would be more than enough for some fun spirited driving and running around. I went with the 4s for all year driving, and I wanted a manual - so had to go either S or 4s, and the 4s for AWD in the winter, etc.

There are a few 992 S that have some up with lower mileage (under 2K) in the mid 120's - which would put you at a nicely loaded base. Of course you still have warranty, and you might also find one that is CPO, and get 2 more years and have 4 years of warranty left. Take a look on Cars.com or Autotrader for a used 992S. In the next few months you will find more, after people have had them for a year, and trading in for something else. If you would wonder if you needed the more power in the S, nothing wrong with waiting to get one slightly used for the same as a base.

Now, if you want something specific (color, options, leather, etc.) ordering is the way to go. I bought mine of the lot a few months ago, wanted a Manual 4S - but was not picky on color (Black, Silver, White) and heated seats, steering wheel, etc. The one I ended up with had more options that I would have spec'd. But ticked all the boxes. I got a great discount for a new one, due to being height of Covid - so it worked for me.

Waiting for a slightly used 992 S is not a bad option, and there are a few out their already that were in the 140-145K range going in the 125K range. Which would be within 5-8K of a new base nicely optioned.

detansinn

In addition to the substantial power bump, the S gives you LSD, bigger brakes and standard 20/21" wheels.

With the PDK, the Base is a quick car. You're not really going to notice much difference between it and the S until you're at highway speeds. At speed, the S's power advantage makes itself felt. For my driving, by the upgrades alone, I do think that the premium for the S is worth it. Of course, the S models also unlock options that are not available on the Base car, like Sport PASM, RAS, Manual, etc.

SamD

There are crapload of YT reviews on both models. General consensus is, unless an MT or LSD are a must, C2 is an excellent choice, with all-around great performance. Having said that, more power & better brakes rarely a negative . . .

rk-d

This is a question quickly answered by driving both cars and deciding if the S is worth it to YOU.

540gone

I just came from a 981 GTS w/ headers, sport cats & a tune to a 992 C2 - if the Carrera is a saber, the Cayman is a switchblade - if you drive a Cayman, you know what I mean. Other former Porsches - 944S, 964, 997. A few M Cars, AMG cars, Audi S & RS cars. 992 C2 is by far the best of the lot in my opinion. Just go drive a "base" car as well as an S like I did. You will be quite surprised by the power - low speed spool-up is actually a bit quicker in the non-S. As stated in other posts above, you will likely only notice the difference at higher speeds. Bigger (better ??) brakes are only an issue if you track the car and need more heat dissipation capability - both cars will engage ABS immediately, so stopping distance is a function of tires, not brakes until they get hot enough to boil the brake fluid.

I feel Sport Chrono, full leather, the bigger wheels are essential. In addition to those 3, I spent an additional $12K on other "stuff", all of which was personal preference, and none of it makes the car drive any different. That "personal preference" is the downside of a custom order - you can get exactly what you want. Mine is a long term keeper, so the order process & time involved were worth it. Either option will be a great car!!

ipse dixit

Questions like this always come down to one thing that only the buyer can answer.

How much is enough?

Yes, the base is great. But so is the S. Do you get more with the S? Yes, you do. Then it becomes a question of whether what you get from the base is enough.

992Sam

One plus to a non-S is that you can drive it more aggressively without it going too fast... mated with a stick shift, might be more of a drivers car than the 4S, which I chose because I also use my car as a daily driver and wanted the performance that went along with the S engine.

casaforte9

The rear wheel steering can only be had with S or 4s and that is supposedly a very nice handling option that can be felt , so that is something to consider

inastrangeland

As mentioned, go on youtube and search. There are a lot of comparisons of the base and the s. Based on your Cayman experience, and stated preferences, no need to get the S. The base is plenty of car for normal DD duty. And, there are plenty on the lot right now so you should be able to swing a good deal.

Good hunting.

TimD

No SPASM on the base car. This is a deal killer for me.

Kansas32

I sold my early production C4S because I was annoyed with the software issues, door handles, etc. The car was an absolute joy to drive and I found that I missed it after it was gone. I went and drove a base cab and decided that it was more fun than the C4S. The power was more than enough and the software was much improved. I suggest finding a car that was produced this year and avoid a pre ‘20 build date.

sechsgang

I mean, for a standard DD no, you def don't need an S... but I'm always a fan of a little more power...and you tend to rarely regret buying the one that's got more power, where as some sometimes (only sometimes) regret not just paying up for it in the beginning and being done with it. Either way though both unreal awesome cars so you'd enjoy regardless.

Dan Nagy

If I were a PDK driver, I’d have the C2 for sure. I’ve only written this a couple dozen times, but hate that I had to buy a C2S to get a manual. The sweet spot for the MT is the C2, and Porsche knows it. MT buyers are just paying European road tax.

KCviper

I've never bought a car and wished for less power! Having said that, the C2 as a DD would certainly be very proficient. I bought a C2S for my DD and am very happy with the purchase. GL!